Richmond Mural Walking Tour

Richmond has one of the most active public art scenes in the country. Since a mural festival in 2012 brought international artists to the city, walls across the Arts District, Jackson Ward, Scott's Addition, Manchester and beyond have been covered in colorful, thoughtful works, from giant abstract pieces to portraits and political statements. The Richmond Mural Project continues to commission new works, and local artists, community groups and businesses add more each year. A guided mural walking tour is the best way to see and understand them. A tour typically begins in or near Jackson Ward and winds through the neighborhood and nearby streets, stopping at notable murals and telling the stories behind them: who painted them, what they represent and how they relate to the community. In Jackson Ward, the art often engages the Black history of the district, with portraits of local figures, scenes of jazz and civic life, and messages about resilience and change.

Local guides add depth that a self-guided map cannot. They may be artists or advocates who know the creators, can point out details you would miss, and can explain the techniques, from spray paint to brush and roller, and the process of designing a mural for a specific wall. They also place the art in the context of urban change, since murals can respond to history, gentrification and the identity of a neighborhood. Expect conversation, photos and opportunities to ask questions.

The tour pairs naturally with the Black History Museum, the African American history walk and the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, all in the same area. After the walk, grab lunch or coffee in the Arts District, then continue to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for a contrast between street art and the museum collection. For photographers, art lovers and anyone who enjoys discovering a city through its walls, the mural tour offers a fresh, colorful and surprisingly personal way to see Richmond.

If you enjoy the tour, you can extend it on your own. Maps of the Richmond Mural Project and neighborhood art guides point to further works in Manchester, Scott's Addition and along the riverfront, and the Arts District hosts gallery openings that complement the street art.

Photographers may want to return at different times of day for different light, and cyclists can link several murals with a ride. As with all outdoor art, be respectful of private property, avoid blocking traffic when taking photos and consider supporting the artists by buying prints or visiting local galleries.

Check the weather, since rain can make sidewalks slick and affect photography, and consider booking a morning slot when light on the walls is flattering and the streets are quiet.

Bring a phone or camera with enough battery, sunscreen for open sidewalks in summer and a small umbrella for showers. Ask your guide for neighborhood coffee and lunch suggestions so the walk flows naturally into the rest of your day.